HOBART—As the Village looks ahead, recent discussions at the Hobart Community Alliance meeting on October 29 broadened its scope from addressing day-to-day fixes like playground upkeep and tree maintenance to focusing on the big picture. Four main topics stood out: The Comprehensive Plan & Planning Board, an upcoming visit by Sophia Picco, Delaware County economic development specialist; the launch of a new non-profit, Hobart Forward; and a renewed commitment to work together with Village government for the overall benefit of the community.

Those who attended the Thursday evening Hobart Community Alliance (HCA) meeting at the Community Center stressed how important it is to get involved in the ongoing Comprehensive Plan. HCA Coordinator Julie Rockefeller urged people to show up and speak out at upcoming Planning Board meetings to make sure future growth matches what residents actually want. Meetings are open to the public and take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Hobart Community Center, 80 Cornell Avenue. 

Looking toward the next Alliance meeting, excitement is building for Sophia Picco’s visit at the November 30 meeting, which is expected to bring a helpful regional perspective to the table. Delaware County economic development specialist Sophia Picco has been helping the town of Walton navigate the early stages of applying for competitive New York Forward and Downtown Revitalization Initiative grants.

The launch of a non-profit organization, Hobart Forward, Inc., was announced. Members discussed how this new Hobart-centric group can act as an independent helper while working hand-in-hand with the village administration to reach shared goals. Hobart Forward can run independently as a nimble, grassroots team that raises money and rallies volunteers, while also teaming up through formal agreements and joint projects to tackle big village goals.

Behind all these talks is a shared commitment to building a partnership whereby community groups and village leaders pull together to move Hobart “forward.”